Boss Jim Magilton has confirmed his interest in Cork City striker Roy O'Donovan. Magilton was speaking to TWTD in an interview for issue 85 of the fanzine, which is out on Saturday.
Magilton says that ideally Town would have firmed up their interest in the Republic of Ireland B international before other clubs had become aware of him: "If we'd been able to pinch Roy O'Donovan early that would have been lovely as no one had heard of him outside of Ireland.
"Had we nicked him then it might have been different, perhaps the same scenario as we have with George O'Callaghan, but now I think everybody's interested in him.”
O'Donovan, capped at B, U21 and U19 level by the Republic of Ireland, has played much of his career as a right winger, but more recently the 21-year-old has been pushed into a striking role, scoring 11 goals in the 2006 Irish season.
Cork signed O'Donovan in March 2005 after a short spell with Cheltenham Town, having been released by Coventry City, who he had joined as a 16-year-old.
Town were first linked with O'Donovan last month with Wolves, Sunderland, Derby, Dunfermline and Wigan also said to be interested. Cork are claimed to have turned down bids of up to £170,000 over the summer.
Magilton says the price Cork put on O'Donovan could dictate whether the Blues will take their interest any further: "It all depends on the situation there. We've asked to have him on trial but they aren't budging. To be fair, I don't blame them: you watch him, you like him, you buy him is their attitude.”
The Blues have also shown interest in a number of other strikers including Rotherham's Will Hoskins. The England U18, U19 and U20 international has rejected the offer of a new contract from the Millers. The 20-year-old is out of contract in June and is likely to be available for around £600,000 in January.
TWTD issue 85, which also includes an exclusive interview with Sir Bobby Robson, will be available from our sellers around Portman Road for two hours before kick-off on Saturday or via a subscription from www.twtdonline.co.uk, where you'll also find a scheme which will bring you TWTD for free.